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The Christmas Bake-Off
With Christmas just around the corner, the residents of Skipley village are gearing up for the annual bake off, and tensions are high.
Winning means a lot to everyone involved - talented cake-shop owner Katie dreams of baking stardom, Rachel wants to prove she's more than a stay-at-home mum, and John hopes his culinary skills will impress the woman he loves.
But when the judges discover that some cakes have been tampered with, the villagers' loyalties are called into question - whose ambition would stretch to sabotage, and why?
The Christmas Bake-Off is an exclusive short story from Abby Clements, author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. This ebook edition also includes bonus recipes for cinnamon cookies and vanilla and almond biscuits.
Winning means a lot to everyone involved - talented cake-shop owner Katie dreams of baking stardom, Rachel wants to prove she's more than a stay-at-home mum, and John hopes his culinary skills will impress the woman he loves.
But when the judges discover that some cakes have been tampered with, the villagers' loyalties are called into question - whose ambition would stretch to sabotage, and why?
The Christmas Bake-Off is an exclusive short story from Abby Clements, author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. This ebook edition also includes bonus recipes for cinnamon cookies and vanilla and almond biscuits.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
96 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Abby Clements
13 books184 followersAbby Clements worked in book publishing before writing this, her first novel. Her Christmas baking skills are upper-intermediate. Her countryside-survival skills are basic to none. She lives with her boyfriend in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 23, 2014
At 25 pages this was a short, sweet novella about a quaint village bake-off. I would have liked the characters more fleshed out and the sabotage a bit more dramatic.
January 28, 2018
I loved this book although was very short and sweet would have been great to have been longer but was a good read. A village is having a baking competition and everyone wants to win it but does it goes as planned or not. A good short read.
December 8, 2014
This was a really cute little Christmas story with goodies, competition, family, friendship, and a little bit of romance thrown in. I liked the characters - my favorite being John. The winning recipe is included at the end of the book and they sound delicious so I'm going to have to give them a try this month.
If you're looking for a quick Christmas read to help get you in the holiday spirit, this is a good one to try.
If you're looking for a quick Christmas read to help get you in the holiday spirit, this is a good one to try.
November 14, 2019
A very short but sweet Christmas ebook. I've not read this author before so I used it as a little taster before trying some more of her works. We have Christmas charm, baking, a little bit of intrigue and some romance. Not to mention some very yummy recipes at the end.
Fun, enjoyable and a reat start to my 2019 Christmas reading
Fun, enjoyable and a reat start to my 2019 Christmas reading
December 4, 2016
Ich besitze bereits "Ein Kuss unter dem Mistelzweig" von Abby Clements, habe es aber leider noch nicht gelesen. Da kam mir die Kurzgeschichte "Plätzchen unter dem Mistelzweig", welche kurz vor dem eigentlichen Roman spielt, gerade recht und ich habe sie in einem Rutsch durchgelesen, sodass ich hier eine gelungene Kurzgeschichte erhalten habe, die mich bestens auf den eigentlichen Roman einstimmt.
Der Schreibstil ist zwar insgesamt ein wenig anspruchslos, aber dennoch locker und flüssig, sodass man mit der Geschichte durchaus in Weihnachtsstimmung kommen kann. Die Figuren wie z.B. Rachel oder auch Katie, lernt man eher oberflächlich kennen, was allerdings vollkommen in Ordnung ist, da das eigentliche Thema sonst untergegangen wäre, wenn man sich mehr auf die Tiefe der Figuren konzentriert hätte. Dennoch fand ich die Figuren im Großen und Ganzen ganz in Ordnung.
Hierbei geht es um das Dorf Skipley, in dem sich die Bewohner auf den jährlichen Weihnachtsbackwettbewerb vorbereiten und mit viel Herzblut bei der Sache sind. Dann stellt sich allerdings heraus, dass in diesem Jahr alles anders ist, denn plötzlich schmecken sämtliche Backwaren nach Salz, was für einen regelrechten Skandal sorgt.
So ein wenig hat mich das Dörfchen an Stars Hollow aus den "Gilmore Girls" erinnert, sodass ich die Schauplätze direkt interessant fand und somit sehr gerne mehr erfahren möchte. Somit freue ich mich auf "Ein Kuss unter dem Mistelzweig" umso mehr und hoffe, dass ich dabei die Figuren deutlich besser kennenlernen darf.
Das Cover ist hübsch anzusehen und passt perfekt in die Weihnachtszeit, sodass man sich hier absolut nicht beschweren kann. Die Kurzbeschreibung liest sich ebenfalls gut, allerdings muss man sagen, dass hier viel zu viel verraten wird, sodass man nur noch wenig überrascht wird.
Kurz gesagt: "Plätzchen unter dem Mistelzweig" ist eine süße Kurzgeschichte für zwischendurch, die perfekt auf die Weihnachtszeit, aber auch auf den Roman "Ein Kuss unter dem Mistelzweig" einstimmt. Wer noch ein wenig Nachhilfe in Sachen Weihnachtsstimmung braucht, der wird diese hier finden.
Der Schreibstil ist zwar insgesamt ein wenig anspruchslos, aber dennoch locker und flüssig, sodass man mit der Geschichte durchaus in Weihnachtsstimmung kommen kann. Die Figuren wie z.B. Rachel oder auch Katie, lernt man eher oberflächlich kennen, was allerdings vollkommen in Ordnung ist, da das eigentliche Thema sonst untergegangen wäre, wenn man sich mehr auf die Tiefe der Figuren konzentriert hätte. Dennoch fand ich die Figuren im Großen und Ganzen ganz in Ordnung.
Hierbei geht es um das Dorf Skipley, in dem sich die Bewohner auf den jährlichen Weihnachtsbackwettbewerb vorbereiten und mit viel Herzblut bei der Sache sind. Dann stellt sich allerdings heraus, dass in diesem Jahr alles anders ist, denn plötzlich schmecken sämtliche Backwaren nach Salz, was für einen regelrechten Skandal sorgt.
So ein wenig hat mich das Dörfchen an Stars Hollow aus den "Gilmore Girls" erinnert, sodass ich die Schauplätze direkt interessant fand und somit sehr gerne mehr erfahren möchte. Somit freue ich mich auf "Ein Kuss unter dem Mistelzweig" umso mehr und hoffe, dass ich dabei die Figuren deutlich besser kennenlernen darf.
Das Cover ist hübsch anzusehen und passt perfekt in die Weihnachtszeit, sodass man sich hier absolut nicht beschweren kann. Die Kurzbeschreibung liest sich ebenfalls gut, allerdings muss man sagen, dass hier viel zu viel verraten wird, sodass man nur noch wenig überrascht wird.
Kurz gesagt: "Plätzchen unter dem Mistelzweig" ist eine süße Kurzgeschichte für zwischendurch, die perfekt auf die Weihnachtszeit, aber auch auf den Roman "Ein Kuss unter dem Mistelzweig" einstimmt. Wer noch ein wenig Nachhilfe in Sachen Weihnachtsstimmung braucht, der wird diese hier finden.
January 11, 2018
At first I wondered if I was going to review this or not, but then I remembered that every book is a book that needs reviewing, no matter how short - so here we are now. This novella is only around 25 pages long (yes, I did really mean it was short). But it was short and sweet.
The story follows a few of the villagers from Skipley, a place that sounds very delightful indeed, on their quest to win the village bake off. Rachel, mum of two and keen to prove she's more than just a mum, makes a beautiful gingerbread house, packed with delicious sweets. Katie, a professional baker in the village, decides to make something new and includes pistachios in her yule log. And John, a manly man but soft inside, decides to try and show his baking skills to impress the one he loves.
All of the characters included in this short novella, all sound wonderfully charming and kind. Bea, Rachel's mother-in-law, I really liked because she seemed the most kind, especially when her granddaughter confesses her secret to her. Her part of the story was probably the most festive sounding, she makes her entry into the bake off whilst the carols are playing on the radio and the snow is drifting past the windows - it sounded just perfect.
The story, although short, was lovely and I really enjoyed it. Even from those few pages, you got a real sense of community from the villagers and it was lovely to read about. I wish this was a full blown novel! I've been trying to find which novel of Abby Clements this is related to but cannot seem to find it! I'm probably being really daft, but if you know the name of it (if there is one), please let me know!
I just really, really enjoyed this and wished it were longer. I loved the bake off, the bakes the villagers had made, and the descriptions of Christmas. It was all just so lovely and festive.
The story follows a few of the villagers from Skipley, a place that sounds very delightful indeed, on their quest to win the village bake off. Rachel, mum of two and keen to prove she's more than just a mum, makes a beautiful gingerbread house, packed with delicious sweets. Katie, a professional baker in the village, decides to make something new and includes pistachios in her yule log. And John, a manly man but soft inside, decides to try and show his baking skills to impress the one he loves.
All of the characters included in this short novella, all sound wonderfully charming and kind. Bea, Rachel's mother-in-law, I really liked because she seemed the most kind, especially when her granddaughter confesses her secret to her. Her part of the story was probably the most festive sounding, she makes her entry into the bake off whilst the carols are playing on the radio and the snow is drifting past the windows - it sounded just perfect.
The story, although short, was lovely and I really enjoyed it. Even from those few pages, you got a real sense of community from the villagers and it was lovely to read about. I wish this was a full blown novel! I've been trying to find which novel of Abby Clements this is related to but cannot seem to find it! I'm probably being really daft, but if you know the name of it (if there is one), please let me know!
I just really, really enjoyed this and wished it were longer. I loved the bake off, the bakes the villagers had made, and the descriptions of Christmas. It was all just so lovely and festive.
February 5, 2016
How much can you put into a story about an annual village Christmas cake baking competition which is to be judged by a top celebrity chef? Well, quite a lot actually. More than you would think.
If gambling were involved, the bookies would stop taking bets on Kate, the owner of the village cake shop. She is, after all, a professional. But then they wouldn't be expecting sabotage, local relationships, the experienced granny's sympathy for an entrant who appears to have no hope at all, and a few emotions and hissy fits.
It's a nice short story with a bit of tension and fun.
If gambling were involved, the bookies would stop taking bets on Kate, the owner of the village cake shop. She is, after all, a professional. But then they wouldn't be expecting sabotage, local relationships, the experienced granny's sympathy for an entrant who appears to have no hope at all, and a few emotions and hissy fits.
It's a nice short story with a bit of tension and fun.
December 10, 2015
A short and sweet little Christmas read about a Christmas bake off, with the winning recipe included at the end of the book, which is a nice idea.
November 18, 2016
This review is featured on my blog: Writerly Bookish Stuff
I rate this book 3.5/5.
What's more dramatic than a WI bake off? A WI bake-off that has been sabotaged. All is fair in love and baking, right? Wrong! Skipley's annual bake-off quickly turns into a 'who dunnit', and the villagers start doubting each other. Why would someone sabotage a friendly, village bake-off?
This quick read can be read within the hour and is definitely off the back of the Great British Bake Off programme. Following different villagers in their quest to win the bake off and show off their skills to a famous judge, you get a glimpse into each different life, their reason for entering, and how they all fit together in the community.
The culprit of the sabotage is quickly discovered, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a bit more dramatic, but you cant expect much more at a local WI competition, right? Although, you never know when cake is involved.
There were a lot of characters for such a short story, and I would have liked a little more time to delve into each persons back story, but I knew their motivations and that kept my interest. The romance and the way it is linked to the competition was a sweet aspect.
At the end of the book, there are some recipes which was a fun little find, not that I'm a lover of baking. Perhaps I'll get my hubby on it and I'll judge the results.
A fun, Christmas short story with a healthy dose of competition, cakes, and romance.
I rate this book 3.5/5.
What's more dramatic than a WI bake off? A WI bake-off that has been sabotaged. All is fair in love and baking, right? Wrong! Skipley's annual bake-off quickly turns into a 'who dunnit', and the villagers start doubting each other. Why would someone sabotage a friendly, village bake-off?
This quick read can be read within the hour and is definitely off the back of the Great British Bake Off programme. Following different villagers in their quest to win the bake off and show off their skills to a famous judge, you get a glimpse into each different life, their reason for entering, and how they all fit together in the community.
The culprit of the sabotage is quickly discovered, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't a bit more dramatic, but you cant expect much more at a local WI competition, right? Although, you never know when cake is involved.
There were a lot of characters for such a short story, and I would have liked a little more time to delve into each persons back story, but I knew their motivations and that kept my interest. The romance and the way it is linked to the competition was a sweet aspect.
At the end of the book, there are some recipes which was a fun little find, not that I'm a lover of baking. Perhaps I'll get my hubby on it and I'll judge the results.
A fun, Christmas short story with a healthy dose of competition, cakes, and romance.
December 16, 2013
I quite enjoyed Abby Clements very short story, but I suspect only because the character's where familiar after not long finishing meet me under the Mistletoe.
Good, but very short and doesn't have a lot of substance.
Good, but very short and doesn't have a lot of substance.
November 15, 2015
Worked as a stand-alone but a little confusing; lots of characters for a short story. A little mystery, a little romance, some recipes. Didn't intrigue me enough to read any of the full-length stories in the series.
December 10, 2017
I'm very glad I only paid 99p for this, as I literally read it in 10 minutes...I've written longer emails.
It was so brief that there was no time to develop a storyline, and therefore I can't give it any more than 1 star.
I probably won't bother with another book by this author. I like to read an actual story, not a 200 word essay which a schoolgirl would submit for her homework.
Scathing, I know, but I just can't work up anything enthusiasm about it.
It was so brief that there was no time to develop a storyline, and therefore I can't give it any more than 1 star.
I probably won't bother with another book by this author. I like to read an actual story, not a 200 word essay which a schoolgirl would submit for her homework.
Scathing, I know, but I just can't work up anything enthusiasm about it.
December 18, 2021
A short, festive read. An enjoyable tale and a bonus addition of a couple of recipes which is always a nice touch.
November 13, 2022
Sweet, predictable easy Christmas read to get you in the mood. A good warm up for some more Christmas books!
November 3, 2016
Book review the Christmas bake off by Abby clements With Christmas just around the corner, the residents of Skipley village are gearing up for the annual bake off, and tensions are high. Winning means a lot to everyone involved - talented cake-shop owner Katie dreams of baking stardom, Rachel wants to prove she's more than a stay-at-home mum, and John hopes his culinary skills will impress the woman he loves. But when the judges discover that some cakes have been tampered with, the villagers' loyalties are called into question - whose ambition would stretch to sabotage, and why?The Christmas Bake-Off is an exclusive short story from Abby Clements, author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. This ebook edition also includes bonus recipes for cinnamon cookies and vanilla and almond biscuits.Review- I loved this short story it was 25 pages but a really cute Christmas story about a bake off there is Rachel who wants to show she's more than a stay at home mom John who wants to impress katie and Katie who owns a cake shop dreams to be bigger the bake off is going all fine an dandy when there is a sabotage on katie's cake the big fancy judge leaves and it turns out it was Rachel's daughter that did it cause she cared for her mom so much Bee wins the Bake off she's Rachel's mother in law but she gives the money to Katie and her john kiss so cute I really loved this story .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2013
The story is about some of the villagers of Skipley, who are entering in the village's annual Christmas bake off. Unfortunately disaster strikes when the judges discover sabotage among some of the entries. Who is responsible? And why would anyone in the village do that?
Obviously the story is very short - only three chapters, but from the very first page it felt like i was a part of the village of Skipley. It was well written, interesting and had a great twist. I was very impressed with the author and her ability to draw you in so quickly and feel like you have known the characters your entire life. I was also impressed with the range of emotions i experienced from reading this. Especially in one scene, i don't know if it annoyed me more because i live in a small village or if he was just a really big pooface!
I hope to one day read her book, Meet Me Under The Mistletoe - as i have great expectations after reading this!
If you're looking for a short, lighthearted read, then i would definitely recommend this. Plus it's free - you can't go wrong!
www.readingforthemasses.wordpress.com
Obviously the story is very short - only three chapters, but from the very first page it felt like i was a part of the village of Skipley. It was well written, interesting and had a great twist. I was very impressed with the author and her ability to draw you in so quickly and feel like you have known the characters your entire life. I was also impressed with the range of emotions i experienced from reading this. Especially in one scene, i don't know if it annoyed me more because i live in a small village or if he was just a really big pooface!
I hope to one day read her book, Meet Me Under The Mistletoe - as i have great expectations after reading this!
If you're looking for a short, lighthearted read, then i would definitely recommend this. Plus it's free - you can't go wrong!
www.readingforthemasses.wordpress.com
February 20, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I love Christmas and I love cake so when I saw this book on Amazon it was a no brainer.
It’s Christmas Eve and we’re about to have the annual village bake off. With all the local residents providing their entries even the those that are not so gifted in the kitchen.
With a Celebrity judge and a little bit of scandal this is a perfect festive story to read in between wrapping presents with a nice glass of Baileys.
It’s Christmas Eve and we’re about to have the annual village bake off. With all the local residents providing their entries even the those that are not so gifted in the kitchen.
With a Celebrity judge and a little bit of scandal this is a perfect festive story to read in between wrapping presents with a nice glass of Baileys.
March 27, 2015
Published: 20/11/2012
Author: Abby Clements
Recommended for: fan's for novella's, sweet books
Edition: Kindle
I thought that this book was a really sweet book to read I thoroughly enjoyed it :) a lovely short story to read. This is a really great seasonal book to read when you need a little 'pick me up', this is a sweet christmas story with the added bonus of recipes to try, it is a good story to help get you into the christmas spirit.
Author: Abby Clements
Recommended for: fan's for novella's, sweet books
Edition: Kindle
I thought that this book was a really sweet book to read I thoroughly enjoyed it :) a lovely short story to read. This is a really great seasonal book to read when you need a little 'pick me up', this is a sweet christmas story with the added bonus of recipes to try, it is a good story to help get you into the christmas spirit.
August 19, 2015
This book was a short story, only a couple of chapters but it was a lovely read. It actually made me feel a bit christmassy!!! Well worth a read especially if you want to read something quick as doesn't take long to get through it. Even though it is a short story you do engage with the characters which I found surprising but pleased about. Overall a cute story.
December 15, 2014
I loved The Christmas Bake Off. From its idyllic setting in the Yorkshire Dales to the likeable characters taking part in the competition, Abbey Clements gives us the perfect coffee break short story. With a dusting of snow, a sprinkling of romance and an array of sweet treats (including the winning recipe), this one comes highly recommended.
December 17, 2012
A light read to distract you on a holiday night or a break between baking one batch of ginger bread men and the other.
This short story was available for free download from Amazon. If you enjoy it check out also Meet me under the mistletoe, another short story by Abby Clements.
This short story was available for free download from Amazon. If you enjoy it check out also Meet me under the mistletoe, another short story by Abby Clements.
December 19, 2014
This was short and sweet. But I didn't really like the story. Not much happened. I wish I had more to say about it.
November 18, 2014
A nice easy read, lots of humour, and fun, loved the simple tale. and a dash of romance, perfect,
December 8, 2016
downloaded free onto kindle, a lovely short story
December 16, 2013
Well that was a short story, OK nothing amazing!!
December 20, 2014
A cute Christmas read with cute characters developed in such a short story.
December 22, 2020
This was the perfect read to kick off my December with, The Christmas Bake Off was absolutely adorable!
While this was only a short book that doesn't mean it didn't pack in a lot in the time that we had. The story was just so sweet, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, it had the perfect small village feel and the love for baking just oozed through the pages.
My favourite parts were definitely when Rachel's daughter owned up to what she did - getting in that festive spirit! And when Bea won the competition, it would have been so easy for the author to pick the easy winner but it just reminded me that competitions aren't always about who the "best" is, it's the taking part and effort you put in that counts.
The ending of The Christmas Bake Off was absolutely perfect too, it rounded off the story but left it open for more!
While this was only a short book that doesn't mean it didn't pack in a lot in the time that we had. The story was just so sweet, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, it had the perfect small village feel and the love for baking just oozed through the pages.
My favourite parts were definitely when Rachel's daughter owned up to what she did - getting in that festive spirit! And when Bea won the competition, it would have been so easy for the author to pick the easy winner but it just reminded me that competitions aren't always about who the "best" is, it's the taking part and effort you put in that counts.
The ending of The Christmas Bake Off was absolutely perfect too, it rounded off the story but left it open for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
I read this short eBook a bit after christmas, because, honestly, I wanted it gone from my massive TBR-pile and I wasn't quite out of the christmas feeling.
While it was quite a sweet story, it isn't much more than that. Because of its limited pages, the story doesn't have room for properly unfolding, and I kind of got the feeling like watching a cheap sitcom.
But it was alright. So, while I don't regret reading it, I wouldn't read it again, nor do I see it as a must-read for the christmas time.
While it was quite a sweet story, it isn't much more than that. Because of its limited pages, the story doesn't have room for properly unfolding, and I kind of got the feeling like watching a cheap sitcom.
But it was alright. So, while I don't regret reading it, I wouldn't read it again, nor do I see it as a must-read for the christmas time.
September 30, 2020
It seems the common phrased most reviewers used was "short and sweet," and that seems accurate. It's a 15 minute read, and I guess it's kinda cute, but it was just too short to allow the reader to grow a connection with any of the characters. It did leave me wanting a little more backstory, more about the town, etc. If you're looking for a quick Christmas read to pick up your spirits, though, it is free for Kindle at the time I am writing this, so give it a read.
December 19, 2025
This has been sitting on my Kindle for years before I finally got round to reading it. A very short story, just three chapters and finished in less than 30 mins. Rather a lot of characters to get into for such a short story, but it did read well. Based in my native Yorkshire and focusing on one of my hobbies, baking. A light mix of drama and romance. I would look to read other long books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews